The Division of Criminal Investigation is making breath alcohol data readily
searchable by everyone. This includes, certification reports and maintenance
records on The DataMaster DMT evidential breath instrument, individual test
data for when a subject provides a breath into the instrument and officer
training records regarding areas specifically regarding training in the field
of alcohol testing and collection.

Criminalists assigned to the Breath Alcohol Testing section within the laboratory are
responsible for the maintenance and certification of the evidential breath testing
instruments used in the State of Iowa. The Iowa Administrative Code establishes that the
evidential breath alcohol testing instruments must be certified once a year to be in
proper working order. They accomplish this by running various tests on the units including,
but not limited to, accuracy and precision checks, diagnostic checks, radio interference and
volatile compound interference testing and by performing a simulated breath test similar to
the one encountered in an OWI testing situation.

The laboratory is also responsible for training law enforcement personnel on the operation
of the instrument/ This training centers on how to run a test on an individual but not
necessarily on all the scientific concepts behind how it works.

There are approximately 170 DataMasters in use throughout the state. Several
smaller populated counties only have one which is typically located at the
Sheriff’s Office or Jail. However, larger police departments within the
state may also have one (or two) assigned to their agencies.

The Commissioner of Public Safety has approved the use of either the DataMaster
cdm or DataMaster DMT to test a subject’s breath for the presence of
alcohol.

The Division of Criminal Investigation Laboratory evaluates portable
breath testing equipment (PBTs). Manufacturers of this instrumentation
who wish to sell their devices in the State of Iowa for use by law
enforcement must first have them approved by the Iowa DCI Laboratory.

The laboratory performs scientific tests to ensure the devices maintain
accuracy, precision, and can be calibrated easily by law enforcement
personnel as well as general ease of use testing. Recommendations are
then made to the Commissioner of Public Safety on whether or not a PBT
meets acceptable criteria. Not all PBTs approved by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration meet Iowa’s rigorous testing requirements.

Manufacturers who wish to sell their devices in the State of Iowa need to
contact the laboratory and arrange for testing of at least two units. The
Iowa DCI Laboratory can be reached at 515-725-1500.

The Division of Criminal Investigation also evaluates Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) that are
utilized within the State of Iowa. An IID is a device, installed within a motor vehicle, for the
purpose of testing a sample of the driver’s breath for the presence of alcohol. A breath
alcohol test result must be below 0.025 g/210L in order for the vehicle to start.

The IID is also designed to require random re-tests as the subject is driving to ensure
that the individual’s breath alcohol level is below a preset limit
of 0.025 g/210L breath. Should the operator fail to deliver a breath within a
designated time period or test above the preset limit, the unit will indicate
that a violation has occurred by causing the vehicles lights to flash and/or horn
to sound repeatedly.

The Laboratory, as with the PBTs, performs a series of scientific tests on IIDs
to ensure that they work within the State’s expected criteria. Just like
PBTs, several IIDs that have been approved by NHTSA have failed to meet the
requirements established by the Iowa DCI Laboratory.

Manufacturers who wish to sell their devices in the State of Iowa first
need to contact the Laboratory and arrange for testing of at least two
units. The Laboratory can be reached at 515-725-1500.

On January 1, 2010, Only IIDs that utilize fuel cell technology will be
allowed to be installed in vehicles.

Iowa law provides for certain individuals who have had their driver''s license
revoked for an OWI (i.e., operating while intoxicated or drugged) to be eligible for a
temporary restricted license if an ignition interlock device is installed on all
vehicles. An ignition interlock device is designed to prevent an individual from
operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Connected directly to the electrical system of a motor vehicle, it prevents the vehicle from starting when the
alcohol level of the driver''s breath is above a preset limit.

The following is a list of ignition interlock devices that have been approved by the
Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for use in the State of Iowa: